A new fossil wood species of Ziziphus from the Middle Miocene of Trkiye and its palaeoenvironmental evaluation

The purpose of this study is to describe a new fossil wood from the Middle Miocene of South Anatolia (Mersin) and to identify it and evaluate its palaeoenvironmental implications. Thin sections of transverse, tangential, and radial surfaces were examined and described using the terminology of the International Association of Wood Anatomists. The wood was determined to have characteristics of Ziziphus (Rhamnaceae). It is the first fossil wood of Ziziphus and is described as Ziziphoxylon sayaz Akkemik sp. nov. It is from the Middle Miocene Climate Optimum (MMCO), which is a relatively warm interval in the Miocene. Indistinct annual growth ring boundaries and wide rings indicate optimum growth site conditions during its life time. Furthermore, this fossil wood also supports the presence of shallow marine terrestrial areas in Mut Formation.